Muraguri: Health sector must work under devolution

The Director of Medical Services (DMS) Dr. Nicholas Muraguri has said devolved functions must work sufficiently to ensure Kenyans receive quality services for such functions at the grassroots.

Muraguri said the national government was concerned that some devolved functions like health continue facing challenges and the county governments taking so long to address them.

He said disputes over issues like delayed salaries, discriminations in promotions and employments, and poor working conditions continue to paralyze health services in some counties.

Muraguri’s comments come after health services were grounded for two weeks in Nandi County. Though nurses have resolved to resume duty, doctors and pharmacists have refused to resume until their grievances are heard and resolved fully.

While calling for dialogue between the health workers and the county governmnet, Dr. Muraguri said devolution was meant to benefit all Kenyans adding that diseases and other health related complications do not distinguish patients as national or county.

Dr. Muraguri, who was speaking at Mosoriot Sub county hospital after donating drugs, modern maternity beds and a fridge, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure a cohesive working relationship between the national and county governments, adding that the country’s leadership was willing to come and assist where there is need.

The DMS said the government will set up  a Dialysis Centre and a Cancer Screening in Nandi County to reduce the long queues experienced at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret.

Additionally, Muraguri said the government will assist in equipping all counties to ensure each has a well-established Level Four and Level Five Hospital for referral services.

He said Mosoriot, Nandi Hills and Kapsabet County Referral hospitals will be well equipped with surgical machines to ensure services are easily accessed.

Muraguri was accompanied by Nandi Senator Stephen Sang and women representative Zipporah Kering.